“Unique and Unstoppable” – Morgan Rogers Aims to Prove His Worth for Aston Villa and England
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers is enjoying a breakout season, leading Villa’s title push and earning England recognition. The 23-year-old believes his versatility makes him “unique.”
“Unique and Unstoppable” – Morgan Rogers Looks to Prove His Worth for Villa and England
“Unique. I can be anything.”
Morgan Rogers says it calmly, without arrogance, but the words perfectly capture the mindset of a footballer who is rapidly redefining his career. The Aston Villa attacker refuses to be boxed into a single role, insisting that his value lies in his versatility. Whether as a winger, a number 10, or a striker, Rogers believes he can adapt—and this season, he is proving it.
At just 23, Rogers has become Aston Villa’s top scorer in a campaign few could have predicted. Villa sit third in the Premier League, firmly in the hunt for a historic title challenge. In Europe, Unai Emery’s side are also flying, occupying third place in the Europa League standings after winning five of their first six matches ahead of a trip to Fenerbahce.
Rogers’ rise has not gone unnoticed. His performances have earned him a place in England’s squad, even being selected ahead of Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham on occasion. England manager Thomas Tuchel is clearly impressed, and Rogers believes his adaptability gives him an edge.
“I think I’m a bit different to everyone that plays in my position,” he said. “I like to see myself as someone that can do different things on the pitch.
“When asked, I can be a number 10, I can be a winger, I can be a striker. If you give me instructions, I think I’ve got the capabilities to offer something different to maybe what other people don’t have.”
That flexibility could be invaluable for England at this summer’s World Cup in the United States, where the Three Lions face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the group stage. Rogers is expected to be a key part of Tuchel’s plans, especially after scoring his first senior international goal against Wales in October.
While Bellingham remains a central figure in England’s setup, Tuchel has made it clear that the team will not be restructured solely to accommodate one player. The reality is that both men may be required, and Rogers’ ability to fit into multiple systems could prove decisive.
“It’s the pinnacle of football,” Rogers said. “Everyone growing up as a kid wants to play in the World Cup. Being in the pool of players that could potentially do that is exciting.
“I wouldn’t say it’s always in the forefront of my mind, but you can’t help knowing that at the end of the season England are competing in the World Cup. You get that excitement and that buzz as it gets closer.”
For now, Rogers is focused on delivering for Villa. That focus has paid off. He leads the club for shots in the Premier League, with 45 attempts, and has significantly outperformed his expected goals tally. In short, he is not just busy—he is effective.
His journey to this point has been anything but straightforward. Rogers joined Villa from Middlesbrough in February 2024 in a £16 million deal, after spending just seven months at the Riverside Stadium. Before that came an uncertain spell at Manchester City, where he failed to make a senior appearance despite loans at Lincoln, Bournemouth, and Blackpool. He began his career in West Brom’s academy, constantly moving, constantly adapting.
Yet inspiration came from an unexpected place.
“The person I grew up watching was Cristiano Ronaldo,” he said. “The way he was in the Premier League the first time around—no one had ever seen it before. I liked that freedom.
“It’s players with that no-care attitude, who just keep trying and keep going again. People like Paul Pogba, Yaya Touré—taller midfielders with ability and power. I don’t think I’ve got their ability, by the way, but I watch how they play.”
Despite his current success, Rogers’ season did not begin smoothly. Villa failed to win their opening five league games, and his early struggles drew criticism. During a narrow Champions League victory over Bologna in September, some Villa fans even jeered him.
It was a defining moment—and one that Unai Emery used as a test.
“There were times in that game where I was thinking, ‘It’s not my game, maybe it’s easier to see my number go up and walk off,’” Rogers admitted.
“But the manager knew. He wanted to see how I reacted.”
Instead of shrinking, Rogers persisted. Emery later told him how proud he was of his resilience.
“That changed everything for me,” Rogers said. “It changed how I look at things and how I approach everything.”
That mental shift has fueled his breakout. He now plays with freedom, confidence, and purpose—qualities that mirror the players he once idolized.
For Aston Villa, Rogers represents the future: young, fearless, and adaptable. For England, he offers something different—a forward who refuses to be defined by a single role.
As Villa chase silverware and England prepare for the world stage, Morgan Rogers stands ready. Unique? Without doubt. And increasingly, indispensable.
